Effects of adolescent substance use disorders on central cholinergic function
S R Hauser1, Z A Rodd1, G A Deehan2
1Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
International Review of Neurobiology
|October 26, 2021
Summary
Adolescent nicotine and alcohol use disrupt the brain's cholinergic system, increasing the risk of adult substance use disorders. This review examines these effects and potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical developmental stage characterized by significant physical, emotional, and social changes.
- This period involves heightened experimentation and risk-taking behaviors, including substance use.
- Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to developing substance use disorders (SUDs) later in life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of peri-adolescent nicotine and/or alcohol exposure on the adult cholinergic system.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies for counteracting substance abuse effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical (animal) studies.
- Analysis of clinical (human) studies.
- Examination of research on the cholinergic system's function and disruption.
Main Results:
- Peri-adolescent exposure to nicotine and/or alcohol can alter the cholinergic system's function into adulthood.
- These disruptions are linked to an increased vulnerability for SUDs.
- Evidence suggests specific cholinergic agents may mitigate these adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Early-life nicotine and alcohol exposure poses long-term risks to the cholinergic system and addiction vulnerability.
- Pharmacological interventions targeting the cholinergic system show promise for treating adolescent substance abuse consequences.
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